• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Gina's Platform

Gina's Platform

Your SUPER-powered WP Engine Blog

  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Gina’s Top Picks
  • Featured
  • Find a Professional
  • Lifestyle
  • For Professionals

Lifestyle

Gina’s Platform Makes Collecting Payments Easy

April 25, 2020 by [email protected] Leave a Comment

Looking for a way to streamline your payment collection process? Look no further, we’ve got you covered.

As experienced lifestyle professionals, I know that some of the best parts of the job is practicing our craft, working with clients, and the thrill of seeing them transformed. But even if you love your work so much you’d do it for free, most of us, well, don’t.

That’s what makes an effortless payment collection system, like the one offered on Gina’s Platform, so essential to your business. Simplify your payment process, and you’re instantly freed from unnecessary bookkeeping headaches. When you use the Payment Center in the Gina’s Platform app, you can focus on doing what you love – not troubleshooting your payment process. I wanted to make sure this process was easy and painless for you. I remember the days when I was struggling dealing with the various payment collection systems out there. I knew I had to find a way to make this process BETTER.

What makes it so easy?

Gina’s Platform takes what worked, and leaves out the rest. The result is a single page of payment options that makes once difficult tasks like splitting and merging tickets a breeze. It’s everything you need to invoice, track, collect, and report customer payments in one spot – instantly organized.

As a merchant service Gina’s Platform makes everything from credit cards from payment processing simplified and placed in one place with easy access. It is everything a small business like a hair salon needs keep the books in the books and your time with your cliental.

How much does it cost? 

Nothing. You can use Gina’s Platform and the Payment Center features at no cost to you: no monthly fees, no transaction fees, and no contracts.  

It’s no secret that accepting cards legitimizes your biz. Customers love it too! It’s a convenient exchange all around. That is, if your payment collection system is up to par.  If your clients prefer to pay by credit card instead of cash, you’ll have access to the absolute lowest processing rate available anywhere–just 2.5%.* If you choose, you can wrap that processing fee into your rates and offer a cash discount to clients who forego paying with plastic.  

What will I get? 

Salon and other lifestyle professionals looking for the best credit card processing deal in the industry can skip the fine print.  With Gina’s Platform there is none. What you’ll get: 

  • Industry low 2.5% credit card rates*
  • Amex processing abilities 
  • no transaction fees
  • no monthly fees
  • no minimum volume
  • no contracts

The integrated Payment Center in Gina’s Platform offers you and your clients ultimate flexibility. You can take payments in person or send invoices for services or product through the app.  Your clients can pay through the app or on your free, personalized web page. Your ability to accept credit and act as a merchant service for your customers are all at your fingertips.

Are there other benefits? 

Some other benefits of using Gina’s Platform include: 

  • Recording cash, credit or check payments with an option to link to appointment information and instantly confirm entries.
  • Quickly and easily process complex functions like merging or splitting tickets, accepting partial credit and cash payments, and processing coupons or discounts. 
  • Automatically apply, track, and report quarterly sales tax for products. 
  • Send email or text requests to clients for advanced online payments of services or product purchases. 
  • Zero-fee credit card processing at 2.5%* (chip or swiped) – the industry’s absolute lowest.
  • Cash discount option.
  • Inventory made easy. Product sales are automatically recorded and depleted from your stock list. 
  • Printable, at-a-glance profit reports available.

Gina’s Platform will revolutionize how you manage your cash flow with a streamlined payment collection system that is simple and easy to use.  Join us on Gina’s platform and see how easy it is to do what you love and get paid quickly and efficiently!

xoxo,

Gina

*credit card processing rate is a dynamic percentage that will fluctuate with market rates. But you can be sure we’ll stay true to having the industry’s lowest fees.

Gina Rivera

Gina Rivera

Beauty Icon and Expert

Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

    Filed Under: Lifestyle, Business

    Staying Safe While Supporting Salons During COVID-19

    March 24, 2020 by Anne Arneson Leave a Comment

    Social distancing is the new black. But whether scheduling conference calls with the office or FaceTiming with family, clients still want to look presentable. And let’s be real, doing so might also help us all stay buoyant and feel better in these uncertain times.

    Some may be asking, “Is it safe to go to my hair stylist?”

    For now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention haven’t issued specific guidance on whether it’s safe to get your haircut or nails done. However, everyone should be taking social distancing seriously, avoiding crowds of 10 or more and keeping a 6-foot distance from anyone you don’t live with. 

    Looking to reassure your clients? Let them know their health and safety is the most important thing to you right now: 

    • Share any enhanced cleaning measures you’re using to keep your salon safe 
    • Distance your work stations at least 6 feet apart if you’re not in a standalone suite 
    • Discuss the possibility of making house calls 
    • Take the temperature of anyone entering the salon, including your own 
    • Wear any protective clothing or masks you have and offer them the same

    If you live in a state that is recommending everyone shelter-in-place, here are some ways clients can still help their hairdresser or favorite salon:  

    • Don’t simply cancel, postpone appointments for a future date 
    • Prepay for any services you usually get, like regular root touchups 
    • Tip in advance
    • Buy salon gift cards 
    • Set up appointments for online consultations
    • Leave positive social media reviews and tag selfies accordingly 
    • Stock up on any salon products (it may be a while so buy in bulk!)

    Are salons a non-essential business? That’s up for some serious debate! Currently, in the United States there are OVER 1,000,000 Independent Lifestyle Professionals that represent an estimated $50 Billion in revenue A YEAR!

    To us, this community of professionals called “The Business of One” is a deeply essential part of our lives. And we’ll do everything we can to make sure they stay safe, well, and able to make money doing what they love.

    CLICK HERE AND TELL US YOUR STORY OF HOW COVID-19 HAS AFFECTED YOUR BUSINESS SO GINA RIVERA CAN FIGHT FOR YOU, SHORT TERM LOANS, AND RELIEF PROGRAMS FOR YOUR BUSINESSES IN DC!

    Make sure to hashtag – #BusinessOfOne

    xoxo,

    Gina

    Gina Rivera

    Gina Rivera

    Beauty Icon and Expert

    Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

      Filed Under: Lifestyle, Business

      Glass French Manicures Are THE Trend

      March 9, 2020 by coloursbygina Leave a Comment

      #OscarFashion is irresistible – looking at you Janelle Monáe. But for most of us, its couture gowns and statement jewelry are way out of reach. Though there is one award show trend you can totally nail (pun intended).

      Glass French manicures are jumping off the red carpet, taking over our Instagram feeds, and becoming a staple at the top nail salons in Los Angeles – and we’re totally here for it.

      The look is a long, transparent take of a 90s classic. It’s part jelly manicure, part floating French, and totally nouveau.

      The emphasis is on the ends but not in a white-tipped-acrylic way. Instead, the nails are elongated with a translucent tip then outlined, bejeweled, and shellacked to perfection.

      Ahead, we’ve rounded up our favorite variations for the Oscar manicure-obsessed.  

      Classic Glass Slippers

      Photo Courtesy of: @nailjob Instagram

      In this modern-day Cinderella story, the nail beds are slightly pinkened and capped with see-through ballerina tips for a graceful finish. This is the foundation from which nail artists are building their classic french manicure masterpieces. (Though they’re slammin’ solo, too!)

      Glitterati Glass

      Photo Courtesy of: @umas.beautyworld Instagram

      These bases are loaded with inventive shimmer designs that give the glass tips additional star power. We especially love the focus from the nail artist of making the cuticle cute and will be copying immediately.

      Blinged Out Beds

      Photo Courtesy of: @candylandnailz Instagram

      Sometimes, more is more. If extra is your middle name, this swarvoski crystal glass nail design has your number. Bedazzled from base to tip, it’s not for the faint of heart – emphasis on the ‘art’. This intricate french manicure is nothing short of top of the line nail art and we can only say that that us a talented nail artist. We can’t wait to get our hands on this dynamic design, literally.   

      Stained Glass

      Photo Courtesy of: @nailcandyshop Instagram

      Few works of art are more revered than stained glass. Something about the interplay between light and color is completely captivating. Now, it’s a mesmerizing experience you can capture at your next manicure appointment, and believe us we’re planning to!

      Single Pane

      Photo Courtesy of: @jessiepnails Instagram

      Like the look of glass French manicures, but aren’t sure if you’re ready to take the plunge? Why not test out the look on just one nail to start? It’s a gradual way to try the trend without committing to a whole new nail experience. This sheik french manicure takes away those white tips and launches you into the peak of the new nail trends.

      Basically, Oscar nails are the newest way to get your celeb fashion fix. But if Billie Eilish’s long black Oscar nails aren’t quite your speed, don’t worry. Maybe these crystalline cuties will be. 

      xoxo,

      Gina

      Click on the Nail Care tab on ginasplatform.com to find the best nail salons in NYC and LA or use the Gina’s Platform app to find a Manicurist near you

      Gina Rivera

      Gina Rivera

      Beauty Icon and Expert

      Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

        Filed Under: Nail Care, Lifestyle

        Why are Eyelash Extensions so Beautifully Irresistible?

        March 4, 2020 by coloursbygina Leave a Comment

        If the eyes are the windows to the soul, eyelashes are the drapery. That is to say they dress up an already beautiful facial feature, making it instantly more mesmerizing. 

        Dark, elongated lashes have been celebrated for centuries. As far back as ancient Egypt, men, women, and children have gone to great lengths (pun intended) to amplify the eye.

        It’s a trend that isn’t slowing down anytime soon either. In fact, eyelash products and treatments are exploding in popularity.

        Why? For starters, they’re markers of feminine beauty in the first degree. Their presence also signals good health. And, most importantly, lashes make our faces look younger by helping brighten and widen the eyes.

        But even if you weren’t genetically blessed with mascara-ad-eyelashes there’s a simple solution. Lash extensions are an easy, irresistible way to invest in yourself.

        Reasons You’ll love Them

        Want to bring out your inner Cleopatra? We’ve rounded up a few reasons you’ll fall in love with eyelash extensions and wonder how you ever went without.

        • More time. If your morning makeup application is getting a little out of control, listen up. Great eyelashes are essential for any fresh face. With long, fluttery lashes you can practically forego everything else and still look red carpet ready. Seriously! Use that extra time to catch up on your beauty sleep, make yourself a full-blown breakfast, and still get to work on time.
        • Improved confidence. Let’s be real. When you look better, you feel better. No sense comparing yourself to impossible standards and photo-shopped faces. Lash extensions are the start to a more naturally confident you. With bigger, brighter eyes you can recapture your most youthful-looking face and simply enjoy the rush of compliments.
        • Easy maintenance. These weightless wonders will change your life, but not your day-to-day. In 48-hours you can shower, swim, and sweat as you normally would without worrying that you’re going to look raccoon-eyed by the end of it. Most of the time, you won’t feel or even notice them – unless you’re starting at your gorgeous reflection in the mirror. Just remember that in general, the dryer they stay, they longer they’ll last.
        • No pain. “Pain is beauty” is antiquated. Appointments for lash extensions are more like spa treatments from start to finish. The entire pain-free process is rejuvenating, relaxing, and most importantly, safe – as long as you go to a reputable technician.

        Despite these reasons there may still be some questions. Why should I get eyelash extensions? Aren’t natural eyelashes or eye makeup enough? What you really need to know is that yes, sometimes these are enough, though there is nothing wrong with experimenting and trying a new look. Go get the lashes you want and be bold.

        Most Popular Types of Eyelash Extensions

        You might not guess that the process of simply sticking individual extenders to your natural lashes would come with so many options. But the truth is getting eyelash extensions is a completely customizable experience. Make sure your voice is heard but also keep in mind your lash artist’s expertise throughout the process.

        You can go natural, getting a few modestly sized, strategically placed extensions throughout. Or you can go full blown drama queen, getting as many as 10 extensions applied to a single, mama-given eyelash (as Kim Kardashian does).

        Before a drop of adhesive is applied, you and your lash artist will work together to select the length and curl that will make you feel like the most elevated version of yourself.

        Many lash salons also let you choose from a variety fibers made of mink, faux mink, sable, silk, cashmere, or synthetic hair.

        Long, lovely eyelashes can truly transform the face. Extending your lashes is an addictive practice that will forever change the way you feel about your face. One treatment and you’ll understand why this age-old infatuation is so irresistible. 

        Ready to give your lashes some love? Click on the lashes tab on ginasplatform.com or on the Gina’s Platform mobile app to find an eyelash technician near you.

        xo,

        Gina

        Gina Rivera

        Gina Rivera

        Beauty Icon and Expert

        Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

          Filed Under: Lifestyle, Lashes

          All-in-One Gina’s Platform Will Automatically Run your Beauty + Wellness Business

          February 17, 2020 by coloursbygina Leave a Comment

          What’s the best part of your job? If you said something along the lines of, “being creative and making meaningful connections with my clients” we’re talking to you.

          Sure, scheduling still has to be done and payments need to be tracked, but if simply running your business is taking all the joy out of having it, time to call in some help.

          Gina’s Platform is a personal lifestyle resource center connecting beauty, grooming, fitness, fashion, personal care and wellness professionals with their current – and future – clients. This free, all-in-one business management app helps salon owners, beauticians and wellness professionals tackle everything from scheduling and communications to marketing and payments so you can focus on actually growing your business, not just running it.   

          Let’s do a deeper dive to see how this business app for beauty and wellness professionals is revolutionizing personal care services! 

          Make a Personal Connection with Current Clients

          Does Sarah have a gluten intolerance or latex allergy? Does Erin always go a shade darker during the winter months? Track it all in Gina’s Platform’s organized, comprehensive Customer Relationship Management system.

          From client records for formulas to preferences and personal info, you’ll know everything there is to know about your clients. You can even send personalized messages like birthday and holiday greetings through the app.

          Trust us, they’ll be touched you made them a priority!

          Take the Headache out of Scheduling

          Everybody’s busy, but there has to be a better way to coordinate schedules. Our beauty and wellness scheduling app lets you easily and instantly drive existing and new clients to make appointments, all while keeping your schedule perfectly organized.

          Want the app to send automatic appointment confirmations and reminders? Done! Wish your clients could simply claim an open appointment on your calendar without involving you? Simply publish your availability and allow your clients to slot themselves in. 

          No more back and forth with Stephanie or trying to remember if you need to see Summer every six weeks or six months. The advanced appointment scheduling tool does it all.

          Collect Payments in a Snap

          You work hard for the money. Gina’s Platform makes sure you keep more of it, and keep it organized.

          Take POS and invoice payments with a credit card fee of just 2.5%– the lowest in the industry! No contracts, no fees, a free reader, and no fine print.

          Track cash and check payments too, using our revenue tracking and inventory management tool to prevent any shortfalls. Come taxtime you’ll be grateful you did!

          Grow Your Business

          You’re awesome. Why not give even more clients the opportunity to experience your personal service?

          Gina’s platform has over 90 million potential users and a huge selection of free marketing templates to help connect you with customers looking for your services.

          We’ll make you look like the polished, professional business you are with a Gina’s Platform website, free social media tools, and optional “Gina’s Deals” promotions to help you attract new clients.

          Want to cut the time it takes to run your business and focus on nurturing it instead? Try Gina’s Platform for free. It’s the first-ever beauty and wellness business management app and the last one you’ll need to take your business to the next level.

          Visit ginasplatform.com or download the Gina’s Platform mobile app to get started.

          Gina Rivera

          Gina Rivera

          Beauty Icon and Expert

          Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

            Filed Under: Article, Business, Lifestyle, Stylist

            Using a Personal Stylist: Not Just for the Rich & Famous!

            February 12, 2020 by Daniel Thomason Leave a Comment

            “I have nothing to wear!,” said every woman, ever. It’s the age-old story of girl meets dress, girl falls out of love with dress, girl does a complete wardrobe overhaul. But what if you hate shopping? Live in yoga pants? Can’t seem to break out of your t-shirt and jeans uniform? 

            Enter: your personal stylist. Once reserved for celebs and the ultra-rich, personal stylists are now as accessible as your cell phone!

            Seriously, it’s a new decade. Time to improve your confidence and put your best, cute shoed foot forward. Here are just some of the ways you can expect your life to change when you use a personal stylist.

            What does a personal stylist do?

            Before we go into detail about the life-changing art of personal styling, let’s first get you acquainted with the process.

            The main goal of a personal stylist is to get your wardrobe in tiptop shape. They’ll help you identify your personal style and put together ready-to-wear outfits that fit your lifestyle.

            First things first, what’s the state of your closet? Your personal stylist will usually start by helping you sift through your current wardrobe. During this process they’ll be able to identify holes to fill and encourage you to give away anything that isn’t up to par.  Afterwards, a personal stylist will often do the shopping for you. Other times you might accompany them so they can get a better sense of what you’re drawn to. In either case, you’ll probably start with basic and essential pieces, and with their help, build different outfits for different scenarios.

            Most people think that personal stylists are slaves to trends and will make you conform to the new “in”. What they don’t realize is while yes, they are equipped with knowledge of todays looks and the trends of the seasons, personal stylists are PERSONAL. They are there to not only there to pick and buy your clothes, they are there to boost your self confidence so that you can walk through town with your head held high knowing that you look good.

            Now that you know a bit more about how personal styling works, here’s why it works!

            You’ll Spend Less Time Shopping

            Can’t stand crowds? Does the idea of digging through racks and stacks of clothing make you want to tear your hair out? Let your personal stylist do the hunting for you. That’s what they’re there for. Even in today’s day and age of online retailers and shopping it is easy to get lost in poor quality items and millions of fake promotions. The stylist is geared and equipped to navigate the sales, the trends, and even the mess of Black Friday shopping.

            You’ll Never Miss a Sale

            Everyone loves a bargain. Personal stylists keep tabs on all the in-store and online sales. Be it a flash sale or end of season clearance, you’ll be the first to know.  It is their job to learn what brands are your preference and then to find you the best deal on those brands.

            Your Clothes will be Tailored to You

            Whether you have your clothes tailored to fit your frame, or simply want outfits that are “tailored” to your lifestyle, a personal stylist can easily orchestrate both. Your stylist is there to understand your body type and sizes. They then use you as a blank canvas to keep you up to date in the latest styles and trends while making you feel and look good in clothes and styles that are meant to fit you.

            You’ll Get Out of the House Faster

            Never be late to meeting or date again. Well, at least not because of outfit indecision. A personal stylist will help you construct grab-and-go ensembles for every occasion. These template outfits can be used time and time again or customized for the occasion.

            You’ll Feel More Like Yourself

            It’s true that the clothes don’t make the person. However, when you feel good about yourself, it shows. Your clothing is ultimately an extension of your personality and communicates so much to the world. The stylist will make sure that you are ultimately comfortable with yourself in a new look. If you are ready for a change and decide to turn things upside down, they will be there to help. If however you decide to just change up small things or just want to experiment with new styles, you will have access to you an educated opinion and keen eye for fashion.

            With a personal stylist in your corner, you don’t have to be a fashion expert to look like one!

            xoxo,

            Gina

            Click on the stylist tab on ginasplatform.com or on the Gina’s Platform mobile app to find a personal stylist near you.

            Gina Rivera

            Gina Rivera

            Beauty Icon and Expert

            Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

              Filed Under: Article, Fashion, Lifestyle, Stylist

              • « Go to Previous Page
              • Page 1
              • Interim pages omitted …
              • Page 31
              • Page 32
              • Page 33
              • Page 34
              • Page 35
              • Interim pages omitted …
              • Page 37
              • Go to Next Page »

               

              Connect with us:

              Discover

              • Gina’s Top Picks
              • Find a Professional
              • Lifestyle
              • Business App

              About

              • #635 (no title)
              • Contact

              Legal

              • Terms of Service
              • Privacy Policy

              Download our App